Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi, I'm Kami, and this is my first system.

I'm in the very early stages, prepping and planning.

I have two aquariums and only one filter (turned pump if it will work). So the second system (betta) will have to wait for the next pay period.

I am preparing the Turtle aquarium by siliconing in the ramps. I have the timer, heater, Turtle light (not using a plant light because they are all houseplants), water test kit, tubing, grow medium (hydrorokz), and am chomping at the bit to put it all together.

I am on a 24 hour watch from 10:00 this morning. So in goes the water tomorrow at 10.

I do have a question. Turtles are known for eating aquarium gravel so it is not recommended for them. Is that a necessary part of the aqua culture? If it is, what is large enough that meets the other requirements of the system?

The system will be a very simple pump and drain 15min on 45min off. I'm excited to experiment with how to not overflow my GB during the 15 min, while simultaniusly keeping it simple, low-tech, cheap, and giving the plants enough water. Whooo hooo! Sounds like a party for me Friday night!!!!

Some early early pre system pics

I know your probably bored but this is fun for me!

People on this forum love pictures so go for it!

In Aquaponics, we don't necessarily have any gravel in the fish tank. The media is in the flood and drain plant bed that provides the filtration for the critter water. No need for aquarium gravel, especially if it would hurt your critter.

I have an aquarium with one lonely fish that overflows to 5 five gallon buckets of 1/2 inch river gravel for growing plants under a light. Those drain to a sump tank where the pump pumps the water back to the fish tank. Timed 15 minutes on 15 minutes off during the day, less often at night.

The little indoor aquarium systems can be quite flexible and creative if you are not trying to stock too many critters or grow plants that need excessive sunlight. House Plants (including Aloe) like Aquaponics.

Pics

More pics. Sorry about the triple. Hope someone can edit the extra two out.

Test kit

Last one for now. I swear. Don't worry once I locate where the betta tank goes He will get his air on, and more water. Ok now I will wait quietly in my little corner till I can get to work tomorrow.

What an interesting variation! Really neat Kami.

Hi Kami:

I wouldn't keep the pennies in there, the copper and zinc can be toxic to fish.

http://www.koifishponds.com/copper.htm

This is probably answered somewhere on here so I would be grateful for either an answer or a nudge in the right direction.

Is the water supposed to pool in the GB or is a 15 min "wash" ok. If it is supposed to pool how long should the water take to drain?

Thanks

sorry for the large post but I was wondering the same Dave (DD)

I noticed some insulated copper wire forming the habitat lid clasp in my system...
also more probably by chance not effect, but I have lost a series of Marron
to untimely early death.
Wire has been removed

My earlier question still remains. And now I have a couple more. I will read but there are soooo many threads I'm not sure where to start. Any suggestions?

Is the air pump only for the critters, or is it also for the plants oxygen needs.

What about solids? If they don't get sucked up into the water pump and transfered to the GB will they eventually dissolve and the bacteria take care of them? Does the bacteria make its way down into the tank or does it stay in the GB?

Ok I got the turtles in their tank today! Hooray. It looks great. They will eventually outgrow it but this will make a great test case for now.

Here are some pictures.

I have a little fluval 1 filter, that ran dry for a little while and stopped working. It is dead forever?

Removed the pennies from the fish tank, put them in the turtle tank. I have heard from a turtle guy that its fine for them. I hope so.